ECOPLASOTRANSFORMING FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PEELS INTO BIOPLASTIC AND LEATHER

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Winner Clean Energy Challenge

Track: Startup

About The MEXICON WASTE PROBLEM

México City, an enormous sprawling city, has struggled with waste for many years. With the closure of its largest landfill, and new initiatives to promote recycling and waste-to-energy solutions, México City is now in a position to be an example for the region. But behaviours and mindsets still have a long way to go. And there is lots that design can do here. Building on political momentum, we are calling on designers to use their creative problem-solving skills to imagine new narratives, services, products, spaces and systems to encourage cleaner and greener waste handling behaviours across México City.

About ecoplaso

Ecoplaso transforms fruit and vegetable peels and other organic waste into bioplastic which is 100% biodegradable and compostable. This material can replace petroleum- based plastics as the raw material for the manufacture of products such as disposable plates, straws, bags, furniture and toys. Ecoplaso also has developed an alternative to animal leather out of this organic waste, which can be used in the fabrication of furniture, shoes, accessories and interior designs.

What’s your story?

‘During her studies Biotechnology at university Barbara Artega met some inspiring engineers, administrators and designers that eventually lead her to start Ecoplaso. Ecoplaso helps to collect organic waste and thrown away food, and at the same time responds to the lack of sustainable materials. Ecoplaso turns this waste into innovative and personalized materials that can be used in different industries, resulting in a zero waste impact. Our products can be personalized in terms of colour, shape, elasticity and conductive properties.’

How did your project come about?

‘During the last semester at university Barbara started to develop the first prototypes of an alternative material for disposable plates, cups and straws out of organic waste. Now, this has developed into Ecoplaso.’

What was your reaction to finding out your project had been selected?

‘Wooohooo!’

In your opinion, why is creativity important in climate action and the transition to clean energy?